Kerala Minister Criticizes University VC Over Program Cancelation Dispute

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 3 (PTI) Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu has raised serious allegations against Kerala University's Vice Chancellor, Mohanan Kunnummal, accusing him of overstepping his authority. The VC's decision to suspend Registrar KS Anil Kumar due to his actions—specifically, the cancellation of a programme featuring Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Senate Hall on June 25—has become a point of contention.

Minister Bindu asserted that only the university syndicate has the jurisdiction to take action against the registrar, and thus, Anil Kumar may continue in his role.

Further criticisms were directed at the VC's actions, which the minister claimed surpassed his official powers.

The cancellation of the programme was due to the display of the 'Bharat Mata' image, considered a religious emblem affiliated with the RSS, at the venue. The minister argued that the registrar adhered to the rules in his decision.

In addition, the minister laid charges against the Governor for attending an event that had been officially canceled, stating that he was attempting to embed the RSS symbol within the Raj Bhavan.

Kerala's General Education Minister, V Sivankutty, echoed the sentiments, voicing strong disapproval of the VC's conduct and labeling him as "acting like a goon" for the Governor.

Sivankutty emphasized that it was the Governor, rather than the registrar, who disrespected university statutes by participating in the canceled programme.

The minister further noted that the Governor's constitutional authority is limited, referencing recent Supreme Court guidance that Governors should not exceed their mandate.

He argued that using Governors to confront state governments misaligned with the central government has become a pattern since the BJP's rise to power.

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